Antique writing slope, also known as a portable writing desk or writing box

It is a compact, sloped box used for writing that often has a hinged lid that opens to reveal a writing surface and storage compartments for papers and writing tools. • Writing slopes were popular in the 18th and 19th centuries, serving as a portable desk before the invention of the modern laptop computer. • They were often made from wood and could be highly decorated with materials like brass, mother-of-pearl, or leather